today president obama got a firsthand look at the destruction. power conditions are still struggling to get power back on in 13 states two days after sandy tore through the region. cbs reporter alison harmelin is in new jersey where the president promises federal help. >> reporter: good evening. it is nighttime here now but earlier today, it was actually sunny and beautiful here at the jersey shore, which only made it so much more abundantly clear that the devastation to this area is absolutely everywhere. president obama arrived in new jersey for a close-up look at the damage. the president took a chopper tour with governor chris christie over devastated areas of the state where super storm sandy hit with full force. >> we are here for you. and we will not forget. we will follow up to make sure that you get all the help that you need until you rebuild. >> reporter: record storm surge took out atlantic city's boardwalk. the massive storm surge came up from the ocean and brought the beach into the streets of atlantic city partially burying this ca